Visit Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the crowning glory of Siem Reap's many temples. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists make there way to this ancient site, and there's no doubt that a few of them are ticking it off their bucket list.

The grand structure gives us a link to the ancient world, and the crumbling ruins are a beautiful sight to behold. It should definitely be someone you aim to visit at least once in your lifetime.

To get to Angkor Wat you'll first have to get to Cambodia, generally you'll fly in to Phnom Penh (the nation's capital). There are flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, but you can also catch the bus, get a car, take a boat.

Angkor Wat is part of the larger Angkor Archaeological Park, which also includes Ta Phrom and Bayon, you should definitely plan to explore the whole complex. Tickets are around $20 for one day or $40 for three.

Take advantage of the 3-day pass, and make sure you get there early on one day to watch the sun rise over the temple.

Angkor Wat isn't without it's problems, and many of them come down to tourists. The green scaffolding isn't very appealing, and sometimes you feel like you're on a conveyer belt behind what seems like an endless line of tourists. It can be hard at times to take a step back and just enjoy it, because you're being swarmed in all directions from other travellers.

You can't really complain either, by visiting you're really just becoming part of the problem. So the tip, get in quick. Visit now and in 10 years time you can go back, and complain about how Angkor Wat just isn't what it used to be.

While you're in Siem Reap, check out Beng Mealea Temple, about 60km from the main temple complex. It doesn't have the majesty of Angkor Wat, but you can have fun exploring without the massive crowds... for now.

Angkor Wat may not be the spiritual awakening you were hoping for, but it's a spectacular historical site that has earned it's place on many bucket lists.